Hong Kong (Hansard, 24 October 1967)

§ 25. Mr. A. Royle
asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Hong Kong.

§ 31. Mr. Coe
asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Hong Kong in the light of Lord Shepherd's visit there.

§ Mr. George Thomson
My noble Friend the Minister of State for Commonwealth Affairs arrived back earlier this afternoon from his visit to Hong Kong.
I know the House will wish to record its admiration for the splendid behaviour of the people of Hong Kong who have refused to be intimated by acts of violence. Although these have been committed by a very small group of troublemakers, I regret to say that since the disturbances began nearly six months ago until the 11th October, they have resulted in 40 deaths and 617 people injured. The House will wish me to express our sympathy to those who have suffered personal losses. 1490 The Hong Kong police have continued to carry out their onerous and dangerous duties with the most praiseworthy determination and restraint, and with the full support of the overwhelming majority of the population. Despite terrorism, border incidents and sporadic bomb outrages, the colony continues its normal, energetic life. Economically Hong Kong continues to prosper because of the determination, energy and industry of her people. Exports and tourists have increased by 16 per cent. and 12 per cent. over the corresponding figures for 1966.

§ Mr. Royle
Is the Minister aware that the House welcomes his statement and shares his admiration for the staunch and restrained action which both the Hong Kong Government and the police force have taken in the Colony? What action are Her Majesty's Government taking to obtain the immediate release of those Hong Kong policemen, including a police inspector, who have been kidnapped and taken across the border into Red China? Can the Minister give a firm assurances that the Government will continue to give support both here and in the Colony to the actions of the Hong Kong Government during the weeks ahead?

§ Mr. Thomson
I give the hon. Gentleman that assurance. We are in discussion at the moment with the Chinese People's Republic authorities about the senior police inspector and the other policemen who have been abducted. I did not mention that in my main statement, although it is very much in my mind, because the discussions are at a delicate stage and I think that in the best interests of getting those people back the less said at the moment the better.

§ Mr. Coe
Is my right hon. Friend aware that his statement will give great satisfaction to the people of Hong Kong, both for the forthright assertion of British responsibility for the Colony and for correcting some unfortunate and untrue impressions given in the Press and by broadcasting in this country of a Colony whose whole life was disrupted by bomb-throwers? Is he also satisfied that the recent reforms which have been gained as a result of the Minister of State's visit can be followed up by further reforms over a wide field?

§ Mr. Thomson
My noble Friend has just arrived back today. I have had a 1491 brief meeting with him, but he will make a full report and we shall seek to follow up his recommendations.

§ 30. Mr. Rankin
asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of his talks with the Governor of Hong Kong during His Excellency's recent visit.

§ Mr. George Thomson
My talks with the Governor covered a wide range of subjects since I was anxious to take advantage of his presence here to familiarise myself with the various Hong Kong problems. Some of these have since been pursued by my noble Friend the Minister of State for Commonwealth Affairs during his visit to the Colony from which he returns today.

§ Mr. Rankin
Is my right hon. Friend aware that in its 1956 Annual Report Hong Kong was promised a new society? In view of the splendid tribute which he has just paid to the people of Hong Kong, is it not time that they had the chance of helping to create that new society by means of the franchise?

§ Mr. Thomson
I think that in the economic sense the people of Hong Kong have been showing an example to the rest of the world by creating a new society for themselves, which is the best way to tackle the matter. My hon. Friend knows very well from his long and intimate connection with Hong Kong that it has already been stated in the House on several occasions that because of Hong Kong's special position constitutional development towards self-government is not possible, and I have nothing further to add to that.